Dear friends,

Welcome back  to this week’s  Bishop’s Blog!

News will have reached many of you concerning the death of Bishop Brian Noble, Emeritus Bishop of Shrewsbury Diocese, and originally a priest of the Lancaster Diocese. May he rest in peace after his generous ministry.During my own years as a priest in Lancaster I only met Brian twice. Each meeting was by chance and was brief in nature. Having said that, he struck me as a gentleman, kind and encouraging. As the Good Lord would have it, I saw far more of him once I became Bishop. These more recent encounters served to confirm for me +Brian’s personal qualities as a deeply committed servant of the Lord.His later years were marked with poor health, having a titanic struggle with cancer whilst still in office. He showed us that such illness can be put at the service of the Gospel if accepted in the right spirit. Thankfully for us he was given a reprieve and continued up to and beyond retirement, still pastorally active.Many of you would know him far better than me, and your grief will be all the deeper for that. +Brian believed in the power of Christ’s resurrection and the forgiveness of sin. He knew that we are called to enjoy a life with God far beyond the reach of sin. His strong personal faith remains a great comfort to us all, not just as something to lighten our grief here and now, but also to lift us above the gravity of this life towards the bright promise of Life Eternal.Eternal rest grant unto him, O, Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.

Until next time, may you know the closeness of the Lord, and enjoy His blessing.

+Paul

Paul Swarbrick

Bishop of Lancaster